The Bengals honored the memory of 9/11 and Ohio's fallen service members by carrying a flag from the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorials (OFHM) onto the field before the start of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. The flag was carried by linebacker Rey Maualuga.

"The Cincinnati Bengals recognize that today is about more than just football. It's also a time to remember the anniversary of 9/11 and the many Ohioans who have sacrificed so dearly since that momentous event," said Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial President and Gold Star family member Jim Bernholtz. "We thank the Bengals for helping to honor our fallen service members."

"It is an honor to recognize Ohio's fallen service members as we open our season in New York on 9/11," said Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn.  "Carrying a flag onto the field is a symbol of our team's patriotism as we reflect on the lives that were lost."

The Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial was established in 2005 by local Veterans, Gold Star families, and other Patriotic Ohioans who had a vision to build a beautiful tribute to all of the men and women in uniform from Ohio that have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our Country in the Global War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001. OFHM honors all 284 Ohio personnel killed in the War on Terrorism.

The Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial is located in the central Ohio town of Sunbury, and is recognized by Ohio House Resolution 30 as a statewide Memorial honoring all Ohio military personnel killed in the War on Terrorism. The organization interacts with Gold Star families and works to educate Ohioans on the sacrifice and stories of the state's fallen heroes. For more information, please visit: www.ohiofallenheroes.org.